Connector configuration for electrochemical cells and meters for use in combination therewith
First Claim
1. A substantially planar electrochemical test strip for determination of the presence and/or quantity of an analyte in a sample, comprising:
- (a) a first electrode, a first connector comprising two contact pads, and a first conductive lead extending between the first electrode and the first connector to establish a path for conduction of an electrical signal between the first electrode and the first connector, (b) a second electrode, a second connector comprising one or more contact pads, and a second conductive lead extending between the second electrode and the second connector to establish a path for conduction of an electrical signal between the second electrode and the second connector, and (c) a sample chamber for receiving a sample, said first and second electrode being disposed to contact a sample within the sample chamber whereby an electrochemical signal is generated, wherein the contact pad or pads of the second connector are between the contact pads of the first connector when viewed in the plane of the test strip.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A substantially planar electrochemical test strip for determination of the presence and/or quantity of an analyte in a sample is provided that has a first electrode, a first connector including two contact pads, and a first conductive lead extending between the first electrode and the first connector to establish a path for conduction of an electrical signal between the first electrode and the first connector; a second electrode, a second connector including one or more contact pads, and a second conductive lead extending between the second electrode and the second connector to establish a path for conduction of an electrical signal between the second electrode and the second connector, and a sample chamber for receiving a sample. The first and second electrode are disposed to contact a sample within the sample chamber such that an electrochemical signal is generated. The contact pad or pads of the second connector are between the contact pads of the first connector when viewed in the plane of the test strip. A meter having contacts for use with the electrochemical test strip, and a combination of a meter and an electrochemical test strip are also provided.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A substantially planar electrochemical test strip for determination of the presence and/or quantity of an analyte in a sample, comprising:
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(a) a first electrode, a first connector comprising two contact pads, and a first conductive lead extending between the first electrode and the first connector to establish a path for conduction of an electrical signal between the first electrode and the first connector, (b) a second electrode, a second connector comprising one or more contact pads, and a second conductive lead extending between the second electrode and the second connector to establish a path for conduction of an electrical signal between the second electrode and the second connector, and (c) a sample chamber for receiving a sample, said first and second electrode being disposed to contact a sample within the sample chamber whereby an electrochemical signal is generated, wherein the contact pad or pads of the second connector are between the contact pads of the first connector when viewed in the plane of the test strip. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A meter for receiving an a substantially planar electrochemical test strip for determination of an analyte in a sample, comprising
(a) a slot for receiving the test strip, wherein the slot contains meter contacts for making electrical connection with a received test strip to connect the test strip to the electronics, said contacts including a first set of electrode contacts disposed to make contact with two first electrode contact pads disposed at opposite sides of a test strip end received in the slot, and a set of second electrode contacts disposed to make contact with a second electrode contact pad or pads centrally disposed between the first electrode contact pads; -
(b) electronics for processing a raw signal received via the meter contacts the from the electrochemical test strip to produce a result for the determination of the analyte; and
(c) means for communicating the result to a user. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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14. An analyte measuring system comprising
(a) a meter for receiving a substantially planar electrochemical test strip for determination of an analyte in a sample, comprising a slot for receiving the test strip, wherein the slot contains meter contacts for making electrical connection with a received test strip to connect the test strip to the electronics, said contacts including a first set of electrode contacts disposed to make contact with two first electrode contact pads disposed at opposite sides of a test strip end received in the slot, and a set of second electrode contacts disposed to make contact with a second electrode contact pad or pads centrally disposed between the first electrode contact pads; -
electronics for processing a raw signal received via the meter contacts the from the electrochemical test strip to produce a result for the determination of the analyte; and
means for communicating the result to a user, and (b) a substantially planar test strip received within the slot, where in the test strip comprises;
a first electrode, a first connector comprising two contact pads, and a first conductive lead extending between the first electrode and the first connector to establish a path for conduction of an electrical signal between the first electrode and the first connector, a second electrode, a second connector comprising one or more contact pads, and a second conductive lead extending between the second electrode and the second connector to establish a path for conduction of an electrical signal between the second electrode and the second connector, and a sample chamber for receiving a sample, said first and second electrode being disposed to contact a sample within the sample chamber whereby an electrochemical signal is generated, wherein the contact pad or pads of the second connector are between the contact pads of the first connector when viewed in the plane of the test strip. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A method for evaluating the electrical continuity of an electrochemical test strip for determination of an analyte in a sample prior to the application of that sample, comprising the steps of:
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(a) inserting the test strip into a meter, wherein the the test strip comprises a first electrode, a first connector comprising two contact pads, and a first conductive lead extending between the first electrode and the first connector to establish a path for conduction of an electrical signal between the first electrode and the first connector, a second electrode, a second connector comprising one or more contact pads, and a second conductive lead extending between the second electrode and the second connector to establish a path for conduction of an electrical signal between the second electrode and the second connector, and a sample chamber for receiving a sample, said first and second electrode being disposed to contact a sample within the sample chamber whereby an electrochemical signal is generated, and wherein the contact pads of the first connector are separated by a separation, and this separation is extended through a portion of the lead of the first connector, and (b) observing current flow or resistance between the contact pads of the first connector in a pathway through the first electrode, wherein low current flow or high resistance relative to an acceptable standard value is indicative of poor electrical continuity.
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Specification